"What's wrong?"
Mother didn't understand. She let go of Jeff's hand and walked forward two steps, about to step over the threshold.
But father suddenly reached out a hand and stopped her.
"Wait," father said. His voice was very soft, as if afraid of disturbing something.
He stood with his back to the light. I couldn't see his expression, only his slightly trembling shoulders.
He stood at the door, motionless, staring at the small body in the corner.
Jeff leaned out from behind mother. His face looked even paler in the morning light.
"Jake?" Jeff called softly, his voice filled with careful hope. "Jake, do you hear me? I'm okay. I'm not going to die."
In the corner, my body did not move.
There was not even the rise and fall of breathing.
The smile on mother's face froze. She walke
